The place of music in the Catholic charismatic ritual healing: the case of Nakuru Holy Cross and Nairobi Holy Family Basilica core groups

Abstract

This study endeavored to determine whether music In Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) ritual healing has any therapeutic value, It also sought to clarify the concept 'music therapy', Using the methods of observation and interview, the researcher investigated the place of IT/LIsic in CCR healing procedures. Music therapists have variously defined 'music therapy', but this study found their definitions of the concept deficient. This is due to their insistence that the professional rmusic therapist is the ultimate defining factor of music therapy. On the contrary, any use of music in the various culturally determined social settings that yields the healing of either or all the three composite parts of the human person, (namely: body, mind and soul) has been referred to, by this study, as therapeutic. In the light of the above clarification, CCR ritual-healing music was found to be therapeutic. III Catholic Charismatic Renewal as well as Guided Imagery and Music '(G1M), there is forming of images and changing of the levels of consciousness. Formed images, for example, in the form of visions, dreams and fantasies, can be experienced in 8n altered state of consciousness. These images help to resolve a struggle - by which case we mean any life experience that causes the sickness. The images have often led to an , . experience or spiritual meaning, where the individual concerned reaches the very deep part of him/herself in a mystical experience. This enriched by faith has been the cause of I healing in CCR as well as in GlM. This study contains evidence that music is central in each of,the vital processes of the -, CCR healing process namely: imagery; altered levels of consciousness, resolution of struggle, seeking of spiritual meaning and the enhancement of faith. Consequently, CCR "ritual healing is inconceivable if not impossible without music. The study therefore considered music to have therapeutic value in CCR rituals. Finally, the study found GIM and CCR ritual healing rather similar. The only considerable difference is that a trained therapist guides GIM, while the eCR ritual IS guided by a faith healer/minister. Since the end result is the same, the differences between GTM, which docs not exist in Kenya, and CCR rituals, may be described as culturally determined and so invalid.